Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Institute for Creative and Collaborative Arts (ICCA) at Eastern Kentucky University invites applications for a one-year Visiting Professor/ Giles Gallery Director in School of Art and Design (SoAD) beginning in the Fall 2026. Applicants should hold an MFA or PhD, in studio art, art history, and/or curatorial/museum studies, or a related field at the time of appointment.

The ICCA School of Art & Design offers both BFA and BS degrees with curriculum tracks in Art Education, Art History, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewelry/Metals, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Instructional Design (MS). The successful candidate will teach introductory to upper-level courses within SoAD, in their areas of expertise. Preference will be given to candidates with curatorial, artwork installation, and teaching experience.

Founded in 1973, the EKU Giles Gallery serves the campus, community, and Commonwealth, showcasing multidisciplinary creative work from artists of regional and national acclaim. The gallery is named for Fred Parker Giles, who served Eastern Kentucky University from 1939–64. EKU Giles Gallery is part of the School of Art & Design (SoAD) and the Institute for Creative & Collaborative Arts (ICCA).

The University places a high priority on being leaders in the responsible use of artificial intelligence and in building such capacity in our students. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of artificial intelligence pertinent to the discipline and/or a willingness to pursue professional development to acquire such expertise.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: MFA or PhD in studio art, art history, and/or curatorial/museum studies, or a related field.

Experience: Professional experience in curation and installation
Higher education teaching experience.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
Ability to collaborate with peers and students
Ability to understand and adapt to current trends in professional communication
Fluency with technology-based teaching and communication platforms, such as Learning Management Systems (such as Canvas) and Google Drive.
Teaching experience at the university level.
Hands-on curatorial and installation experience.
Applicants should be able to lift at least 30 lbs.

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

• % - Teaching: Responsible for 6 credit hours of teaching per semester, including the senior exhibition course. - (Essential)
• % - Gallery Programming: Organization, implementation, and installation of 7-8 exhibits each academic year, ranging from solo, group, invitational, juried, and annual SoAD programming. For example: Annual Bluegrass Regional High School Art Exhibit, the Annual Art Student Association (ASA) Juried Exhibition, and the Biennial School of Art & Design Faculty Exhibition. - (Essential)
• % - Gallery Management: Ensure that the Giles Gallery space is physically maintained and serviced as needed. Work with Facilities staff to ensure any maintenance issues are addressed. - (Essential)
• % - Gallery Operations: Oversee and manage exhibit documentation and archives, producing didactic materials, and collaborating on student service-learning initiatives and institutional fundraising efforts. - (Essential)
• % - Manage Student Staff: Hire, train, and oversee gallery staff, consisting of 3-5 work study students per semester (federal/institutional). - (Essential)
• % - Marketing: Promote gallery programming through print and digital materials (postcards, posters, press releases, and social media content) to engage campus and community audiences. - (Essential)
• % - Collaboration: Build meaningful partnerships across EKU and beyond by engaging faculty, students, staff, and the surrounding community. Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national artists. - (Essential)
• % - Archive & Data Management: Organize and save gallery materials, records, and databases generated in the course of exhibit research. - (Essential)